Simple, he was on his way to the Super Bowl after Austin's hockey game. During the broadcast, he was actually at Austin's hockey game, which makes that info correct. Then, by the time the PG went to press, he was on his way to Detroit.

The only way Lemieux's presence could have helped is if everyone knew ahead of time he was going to be there. If everything was done all over again and the only difference was that Lemieux was up on that stage, there would not have been any more people show up.

If you make this an issue about Mario deserving an arena or the Pens needing an arena, the argument for an arena is not as strong and won't get the necessary public support. There are too many people who do not care and who do not understand the real issues. (This is why Rendell is making this issue a Penguin issue. He hasn't spoken about this issue once without mentioning the hockey team. He wants to make this issue about the Penguins).

The stronger argument is the City's need for a new civic arena and the one time possibility of having one build free of taxpayer money. And that if built at a later date, an arena WILL require taxpayer money AND won't have a major tenant.

This is all very, very logical. It's no longer Mario who needs to speak. He Has has spoken plenty and it hasn't mattered. It's the PUBLIC who needs to be heard now.

If you make this an issue about Mario deserving an arena or the Pens needing an arena, the argument for an arena is not as strong and won't get the necessary public support. There are too many people who do not care and who do not understand the real issues. (This is why Rendell is making this issue a Penguin issue. He hasn't spoken about this issue once without mentioning the hockey team. He wants to make this issue about the Penguins).

The stronger argument is the City's need for a new civic arena and the one time possibility of having one build free of taxpayer money. And that if built at a later date, an arena WILL require taxpayer money AND won't have a major tenant.

This is all very, very logical. It's no longer Mario who needs to speak. He Has has spoken plenty and it hasn't mattered. It's the PUBLIC who needs to be heard now.

Well said.

I totally agree.

I never expected Mario to be there, or did I think he should have been. Mario has done all he can, he has spoken out many times, this was about the fans and the local politicians, having their speak.

Ken sawyer is now the CEO unless I am mistaken. He was at the rally. I do not think it was such a big deal that Mario was not at the rally. Mario has earned some well deserved family time. Whether it was watching Austin's hockey game, or taking the family to the Super Bowl. Who could blame any father for spending quality time with their son?